Mangaluru: Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore presided over the Eucharistic Celebration at 6 p.m. at Milagres on the occasion of annual feast day of Saint Anthony. In his message he called on the people to develop love for the people as Saint Anthony did during his short life of thirty six years. Though he lived a short life he left a legacy of good works to be appreciated, admired and lived. He had the gift of preaching and performing miracles. He used them for the good of others and never for his own benefit. That is why he is loved and venerated by the devotees even after eight centuries of his death. His powerful intercession is felt by people especially when they are in need. The Bishop called on the people to share blessings with less fortunate as that will be the true honour offered to Saint Anthony on the occasion of his feast.
Earlier during the day at 10.30 a.m. the Bishop offered Holy Mass at Jeppu Ashram. He then blessed the foundation stone to be laid for a 100 bed state of the art building to be constructed at the campus to house mentally ill people. A two storied building which will accommodated fifty men and fifty women. It will have all the facilities to take care of the mentally ill people. This block will be constructed in memory of the completion of 120 years of service of the Charity Institutes.
Chief Guest Ivan D’Souza, Chief Whip of Karnataka Govt switched on the blue print of the building on the huge LED screen placed on the stage. He also promised Rs 5 Lakhs on behalf of the Govt for the new building. This was followed by a forty five minutes Konkani drama – Saint Anthony Saint of Miracles. The concept of the drama and creation was done Vincent Fernandes from Cascia Church, script and direction was provided by John M. Permannur.
Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General of the Diocese offered a Holy Mass in the morning at 8.15 a.m. at Milagres Church. Fr Jacob Milton from St Joseph Seminary offered Holy Mass in Malayalam at Milagres at 4.30 p.m.
Fr Onil D’Souza, Director on behalf of Fr Francis D’Souza, Administrator and Fr Thrishan D’Souza, Asst Director welcomed and thanked sponsors, volunteers who have been working tirelessly for the last few days to make the celebration meaningful one. He also thanked all the devotees and invoked God’s choice blessings on them through the intercession of St Anthony. 35 priests and three thousand devotees participated in the celebration.
